Press releases and downloads

Press releases 2014

Danish Agro acquires Norwegian machinery business

28/06/2016

As part of the set-up of new and future CLAAS distribution in Norway, Danish Agro has acquired Norwegian agricultural machine specialists LENA MASKIN AS, based in Dokka.

The company has six branches in Røn, Våler, Dokka, Lena, Rudshøgda and Trøndelag Traktor, and was formerly one of the biggest CLAAS dealers in the country, and therefore has plenty of experience with CLAAS products. LENA MASKIN has a turnover of approx. NOK 200 million and a workforce of 54.

Danish Agro signed an agreement with CLAAS in April on the future distribution of CLAAS machinery for the whole of Scandinavia. The deal with LENA MASKIN is part of Danish Agro’s plan to set up subsidiaries in the three countries, with complete geographical coverage by its dealer network either via existing private CLAAS dealers or the acquisition of dealers for other brands.

“The deal with LENA MASKIN is a milestone in our efforts to set up a new structure for CLAAS in Norway. We are highly satisfied with the process of concluding the deal and delighted that LENA MASKIN could see the potential of becoming part of the CLAAS structure in Norway. We see plenty of opportunity for development of the company,” he says.

Introduction of CLAAS in Norway is planned for 1 October 2016, and will be ramped up throughout the summer.

The Chairman of LENA MASKIN AS, Bjørn Haugen, regards the deal as a unique opportunity to secure the company's future long-term:

“The original family-owned company was founded by Borger Storihle in 1963 at Lena, in Østre Toten, and the current owners are delighted with the future prospects for the company. The CLAAS brand will ensure growth on a market in which agriculture is becoming more and more specialised. Having Danish Agro at our back will give us the strength to ensure a leading position on the Norwegian market,” he stated.

CEO of Danish Agro Machinery, Jens Skifter, says:

“We look forward to establishing CLAAS with its strong brand on the Norwegian market, where the focus will be on continued growth. Our service organisation will ensure professional back-up and ongoing development focusing on CLAAS through all our dealers. LENA MASKIN will play a major role in the partnership with CLAAS, and a plan is in place to ensure smooth transition on 1 October when Norwegian Agro Machinery AS takes over responsibility for CLAAS throughout Norway,” he concludes.

The Managing Director of LENA MASKIN, John Henrik Stadtler, is also satisfied:

“I am delighted that Danish Agro has acquired LENA MASKIN and that we now gain CLAAS as our brand. We work in a capital-intensive industry that needs and wants growth making it important to have an owner with the skills and financial strength to move the company forward. Danish Agro has extensive experience and know-how that can help LENA MASKIN to become an even better partner for its customers, which is good news for our personnel in the years to come,” states Stadtler. “It's important for our customers to know that we will continue to support other brands with guarantee, service and spare parts, even though we will now be a CLAAS main dealer,” adds Stadtler.